Should illegal immigrants be allowed to vote in local elections?

According to the AP, ”Already known as a refuge for people from other lands, New Haven is tightening its embrace of newcomers as its mayor seeks to extend voting rights to illegal immigrants and other noncitizens, a policy challenge that comes shortly after attacks on ‘sanctuary cities’ by Republican presidential candidates.

“… Dozens of American cities including New York, San Francisco and Cambridge, Mass., take a hands-off approach to pursuing illegal immigrants. … President Barack Obama has resisted calls from some Republicans to crack down on sanctuary cities. As a Democratic candidate in 2007, he said the U.S. government should address the issue by providing a rational immigration system, not by withdrawing funds from cities that shelter noncitizens.”

Whaddya think?

Should illegal immigrants be allowed to vote in local elections, such as for city council and school board? After all, they live in that city and may have children it its schools.

Or should voting be restricted to citizens?

Would a change like this show compassion … or dangerously undermine laws against illegal immigration?

What rights, if any, should illegal immigrants have?

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